Wi-Fi Alliance is changing the naming of Wi-Fi standards

The organization Wi-Fi Alliance has decided to meet consumers and simplify the naming of standards used by Wi-Fi networks. The changes will come into effect next year, when the certification process for devices supporting the 802.11ax standard will start, which has been renamed Wi-Fi 6. However, older standards have been called Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5. Thanks to that, it is known which one is better.

The average user may have a problem distinguishing current Wi-Fi network standards. Because how did he know if the 802.11ac router is better than 802.11n? Therefore, manufacturers have been putting information on maximum data rates on boxes for a long time. However, the specifications of laptops and smartphones quite often do not contain this information. The appearance of a new standard (802.11ax) would further complicate the current situation. That’s why devices that support the new standard will receive a Wi-Fi 6 certificate. In turn, 802.11ac devices will be labeled as Wi-Fi 5, and the 802.11n standard will be renamed Wi-Fi 4. In addition, software developers will be able to use the new markings in the graphical interface of operating systems and applications.

Will the new Wi-Fi network designations actually make our life easier?

Users had to use technical names for more than two decades to determine if their equipment is using the latest Wi-Fi technology. That’s why the new naming convention, which was invented by the Wi-Fi Alliance, is a lot easier for users. Thanks to this, everyone will know that Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) is a newer solution than Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). In addition, the introduced digits can be used by the operating system. Thanks to this we will know which Wi-Fi standard is used by our smartphone. The Wi-Fi 6 icon will mean that both the router and the device enjoy the benefits of the 802.11ax standard.

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